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Reyes likely to rest until Yankees series

Reyes likely to rest until Yankees series

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By Jim Hawkins
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Special to MLB.com |

ST. PETERSBURG -- The lingering discomfort in Blue Jays shortstop Jose Reyes' left ankle has moved to his right knee. He was removed from the lineup and told by manager John Gibbons to take it easy until at least Tuesday, when the Blue Jays play a doubleheader against the Yankees in New York.

"I think I put a little extra pressure on my good leg, trying to protect my ankle," Reyes said Saturday before missing his first game since he came off the disabled list June 26.

"I hope I'll be in the lineup on Tuesday," added Reyes, who missed much of the first half of the season after he sustained a severe ankle sprain sliding into second base April 12.

The speedy 30-year-old switch-hitter, who was acquired in an off-season trade with the Miami Marlins, said the knee had "been bothering me for two weeks, and the last couple of days it got worse. I never had any problem with my knee before. I don't want it to get worse."

In Reyes' 46 games since coming off the disabled list, he batted .270. He is hitting .291 for the year.

"I told the trainer [Friday night], and the doctor checked me out after the game," Reyes said. "There's a little bit of swelling there."

"I'm going to stay away from him and give him three days off," Gibbons said. The Blue Jays have an off-day Monday.

"It's hard for me to take any day off," Reyes said. "Even today, I came to the park with the idea I was going to be playing."

Maicer Izturis replaced Reyes at shortstop Saturday night.

Jim Hawkins is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.